After sending Zhang Fang back to rest, the Second Prince stood in the courtyard, staring blankly at the bright moon in the night sky.
A cold wind blew, and his robes fluttered, yet the Second Prince seemed unaffected by the chill.
After a long silence, a guard couldn’t help but speak, “Young Master Zhang is indeed a true gentleman!”
The earlier inexplicable admiration and respect the Second Prince held for Zhang Fang were beyond the guard’s comprehension. Even though everyone regarded Zhang Fang as a noble gentleman of high integrity, the guard dismissed it as an illusion deliberately created by Zhang Fang to confound the public. However, today, he felt Zhang Fang’s sincerity!
No one dared to approach the Second Prince, let alone discuss the Liu case from years ago. Only Zhang Fang was willing to get close to the Second Prince, even going so far as to volunteer to advocate for the Liu family! To advocate for the Liu family meant opposing imperial power! Even the Second Prince lacked the ability and courage to take such a step. Yet this outsider, Zhang Fang, was willing to stand against imperial authority for the sake of justice! Clearly, Zhang Fang was just an ordinary person, yet he made people feel as though he might be a deity. Only a god could bring hope, rescuing those drowning from despair!
“I’m afraid of implicating him…” The Second Prince let out a long sigh, his warm breath quickly dispersed by the cold wind.
By doing nothing, the Second Prince could remain a carefree young prince and eventually become a leisurely prince. Meanwhile, Zhang Fang was revered by thousands, with a bright future ahead. But once the step was taken, it would mean that they all would face the specter of death. It wasn’t that the Second Prince feared death; he simply didn’t want Zhang Fang to lose his life because of him.
The guard fell silent, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.
Turning to face the building where Zhang Fang resided, the Second Prince solemnly bowed in that direction, murmuring, “Living in darkness for so long, I had forgotten what light is. Thank you, Young Master Zhang, for granting me a moment of light.”
The guard also respectfully bowed toward the building.
The next day, the Second Prince quietly saw Zhang Fang out of the city and sent someone to help notify Shopkeeper Wang.
Upon learning that Zhang Fang had arrived in the capital, Shopkeeper Wang immediately partnered with Yuan Juan, the owner of Changsheng Commercial, to go pick up Zhang Fang.
Zhang Fang was waiting in an old carriage, and after Shopkeeper Wang and Yuan Juan left the city, they specifically went to look for him within the groups of fine carriages.
“Shopkeeper Wang! Young Master Yuan!”
Shopkeeper Wang and Yuan Juan turned to see a dilapidated carriage in the queue of donkey carts, and Zhang Fang was inside!
“Oh dear! Why is Master Zhang confined to such a humble vehicle!”
Shopkeeper Wang hurried over and, upon seeing the old and shabby carriage that Zhang Fang was riding, felt immense pity. To him, Zhang Fang was now famous far and wide—a distinguished figure! Such a luminary should surely travel with the propriety of the powerful!
Zhang Fang got off the carriage with a smile, carrying two small bundles. He wore an old outfit, a result of having sent someone back to his family in Dou County to retrieve his belongings before leaving Jiangzhou. Emphasizing a low-key and simple lifestyle!
Seeing this, Shopkeeper Wang thought Zhang Fang was indeed quite simple! Clearly, Zhang Fang could have lived in luxury but chose to donate his manuscript fees and all profits from collaborations! He lived so frugally!
Yuan Juan had similar thoughts, already planning how to treat Zhang Fang. Once they brought him into the city, he would invite the best embroiderers to customize an entire set of clothes for Zhang Fang! They must not let this great talent suffer any indignities! They had to ensure that this benefactor was well cared for!
It was unknown how the noble daughters and the scions of officials learned about Zhang Fang coming to the capital, but they soon flooded the streets with carriages, blocking the pathways!
As the traffic jam ensued, the news of Zhang Fang’s arrival spread like wildfire, drawing more people out to see him. Even the patrolling Jinwu Guards couldn’t manage the situation!
The Jinwu Guards could only mobilize three thousand troops on short notice, but even three thousand men could not control the throngs of people filling the streets!
The left and right generals of the Jinwu Guards were at a loss; they could only instruct their subordinates to find Zhang Fang quickly, for only upon locating this celebrity could they hope to regulate the crowd!
Zhang Fang was currently at the city gate undergoing an identity check, trapped by the crowd—he couldn’t move forward or backward.
The guarding general, seeing so many people crowding the city gate, feared potential chaos and decided to simply close the gate first. Such a measure sealed Zhang Fang’s fate there!
Even though Shopkeeper Wang and Yuan Juan, accompanied by over thirty guards, arrived to escort Zhang Fang, they were utterly no match for the fervent fans! They could only encircle the carriage and guard it tightly, preventing fans from getting close.
Yuan Juan had already sent for all the staff from Changsheng Commercial to come and help. However, more and more people gathered outside to see Zhang Fang, completely blocking the area. Even Yuan Juan’s people couldn’t squeeze through to assist in protecting Zhang Fang.
Although they had anticipated this scene, Zhang Fang had not expected the news to spread so rapidly! Today marked his official entry into the capital, and mere exposure of his identity already circulated throughout the city! As a result, he found himself trapped in the crowd. Now, he could only wait for the authorities to send someone to handle the matter.
The Jinwu Guards arrived at the square by the city gate but couldn’t push through! The area was filled with people, and most were noble young ladies and gentlemen whom they couldn’t offend!
“What are you doing! Don’t touch my lady! Step aside!”
“This is Princess Wenyue! Dare you show disrespect to the princess?!”
“My father is the Minister of War! How dare you push me? Get out of here!”
The Jinwu Guards felt immense pressure, unable to get through; they could only withdraw and report back to the two generals.
The right and left generals personally arrived at the city gate square, revealing their identities and forced smiles as they slowly squeezed their way inside. After much effort, they finally arrived in the center of the crowd.
The guards stood firm, not allowing them near the carriage.
The right and left generals forced smiles while addressing the noble crowd, yet their demeanor toward Zhang Fang was anything but amiable. After all, he was the cause of this entire blockage, adding to their troubles and burdens.
The two generals revealed their identities and shouted toward the carriage, “Is the person in the carriage Zhang Fang? Come out!”
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